Let's talk about the scam called "Vendor Branded Optics" (Yes, I know about fs.com)

So, vendor branded optics. I can't get away from them. You see, we are bound by law to follow very specific procurement procedures. And buying from fs.com is not permitted. We must buy TAA compliant products, and Chinese products are not TAA compliant. (don't ask about the huge number of things we have that say 'made in China'....)

I have a theory (conspiracy theory?) that despite the requirements set forth by the TAA, the optics are built in China, right next to the non-TAA optics, shipped to a TAA company country, where they slap on a sticker, and call it TAA compliant.

Question: Does anyone have first-hand (or second-hand) knowledge on the optic assembly/production process, or know a vendor that sells cheap TAA compliant optics?